Wednesday, May 5, 2010

This recipe is adapted from the book by Harvey and Marilyn Diamond, called "Fit For Life II: Living Health". It is a very good substitute for mayonnaise. Great for spreading on sandwiches and in salad dressings.

I posted earlier that we use Vegenaise sometimes, but it is neither soy free nor cheap. Here is a soy free version that is better on the pocketbook. Who doesn't like some mayo now and then?

Put prepared almonds and water in blender and blend on high speed until a thick cream forms. You may need to add more water (one tablespoon at a time) to make sure the blades move freely. Then add garlic, seasoning, lemon juice and pepper and blend briefly.

While the blender in on high (or #10 on the lower "I" or "Variable" setting on the Vitamix), remove center plug in blender lid and slowly add the oil in a thin drizzle* (I usually only get the 2 cups to blend in, but if it works for you, go ahead with the third cup). Final consistency should be like a very thick mayonnaise. Store in a canning jar (quart size or two pint size) in the refrigerator. Keeps at least a week.

* Note: The original recipe tells how one may get more oil into the blender. "When mixture refuses to accept any more oil, the oil will begin to sit in a bubble on top of the almonaise. At this point, remove the lid and continue to add oil in a thin stream, beating shallowly with a spoon so that you do not hit the moving blade. This will force more oil into the mixture and guarantee a thicker product." I don't usually try to get more oil in. It is still nice and thick for our tastes.

Mix all ingredients together, except carob chips. Then stir in the 1 cup carob chips. Form into 3" cookies and press a few extra chips (if desired) into the tops of the cookies. Dehydrate on screens overnight at 118 degrees. Yields about 2 dozen, more if made smaller.

These taste great warm just out of the dehydrator. They are also great after getting cold in the fridge or freezer (where we put them so a certain little girl in our house doesn't help herself to too many!). =)

Place all ingredients in Vitamix and blend until smooth. You may need to add some water a little at a time to get the blades to move freely. Place mixture into a piping bag (I used a zipper type quart bag, and then cut a corner off) and pipe out small chips onto a teflex sheet. Dehydrate overnight at 118 degrees. Keep in refrigerator in sealed container until ready to use. Makes about 2 cups or more.

About the author

Helpmeet to a wonderful husband. Together we are training up our children to love the Lord. This journal reflects my interests in vegan food, living simply, with a little encouragement along the way. Shalom
(email: veganfootprints at gmail dot com)